When you refer to an 18-inch bike, it can either mean the wheel size of the bike for kids or the frame size for adult bikes. However, I’ll cover both kinds of bikes and discuss their respective size.
18-inch bikes for kids do consist of important aspects like, the stand-over height, seat-post height, and wheel size. One thing to keep in mind is that bikes from different brands do vary in size due to certain factors, which can lead to confusion. So, do keep these things in mind when you plan to buy an 18″ bicycle.
Let’s have a look at what the ideal age for an 18-in bike is, and later I will explain how big an 18-inch bicycle is.
What age is an 18-inch bike for?
As I have mentioned earlier, an 18-inch bike can mean a kid’s bike or even an adult bike. You may ask, how? Usually, kids’ bikes are measured via wheel size and adults bikes are measured as per frame size and wheel size too.
An 18-inch wheel bike for kids is highly recommended for a 5-7 year old kid with an approximate height of 114-124cm (3’7″-4’0″). Also, it is suitable for kids between 7-8 years of age given they are shorter than the standard average height. However, the stand-over height and reach play an imperative part when choosing a bike for a kid.
Whereas, an 18-inch bike frame is ideal for someone slightly under 6 feet. There is no certain age in adult’s bikes regarding an 18-in frame size.
Girls 18-inch bike vs boys 18-inch bike – any difference?
This has been a hot topic of discussion among bike enthusiasts about whether there are noticeable differences between them. Some may argue that there are no such differences apart from cosmetic changes; however, I’ll come up with my view.
I would say that there are no such major differences between them, but subtle differences do exist.
1. Frame differences
The frames are designed in an old-fashioned way for girls, which don’t look modern. On the other hand, 18-inch bikes for boys do have a metal bar with a longer height to help with the stability of the bike frame.
2. Saddle design
The seat or saddle for boys is narrow in dimension and longer, for girls it is shorter and wider to accommodate them as per the geometry of female body size.
3. Gender-specific features
You will notice slight differences like baskets in front, pastel-colored paint, and other feminine designs. For an 18-inch boy’s bike, you can notice the dark colors associated with the bike along with speed and action reference on the bike models.
4. Size modifications
Currently, many bike manufacturers allow making changes to the geometry of a bike for females. They may reduce the width of the handlebars as their shoulders aren’t wide as compared to males. Also, some of the bikes for girls feature smaller grips, smaller tires, and others.
18-in bike training wheels – with or without?
Training wheels are present in almost every bike for kids. They have been the standard procedure for kids while learning to ride a bike. Even though balance bikes are a better alternative for kids, many of them still prefer training wheels.
Since 18″ bicycles are mostly meant for kids between the ages of 5-7, training wheels on these bikes are essential.
18-inch frame bike for what size person?
An 18-in frame bike is known to be the sweet spot for adults for having an enjoyable and comfortable bike ride. If you’re between the height of 5’4” and 5’10”, you can opt for an 18-inch frame bike. Remember to know your inseam length for finding the right bicycle size as per your height.
If you’re planning to get one for yourself, I would suggest that you get a steel frame for a smoother biking experience.
18-inch BMX bike is for what size person?
BMX bikes are cool to flaunt once you get the hang of it. Similar to the requirements for other bikes, getting a BMX bike will require thorough information regarding the ideal bike size. When it comes to 18″ BMX bikes, kids between the ages of 7-11 can easily ride them with a height of 4’4”-4’10”.
How big is an 18-inch bicycle?
When it comes to an 18-inch wheel bike, it is a new option between a 16-inch and a 20-inch bike. They are mostly for kids between the age of 5-7 years. If we drift to an 18-inch frame bike, it can be conveniently categorized into road, mountain, and hybrid bikes.
Have a look below –
- 18-Inch Road Bike – XX-Small
- 18-Inch Mountain Bike – Medium
- 18-Inch Hybrid Bike – Medium
As you can see, typically an 18-in frame bike is considered to be of medium size roughly.
1. Standover height
The length from the floor to the top tube is referred to as the standover height. The standover height for an 18″ bike would be about 18 inches on most occasions. However, there might be slight variations since numerous brands have their way of making bikes.
2. Stack & reach
To describe it in simple words, it is the area or space available to a bike rider when in a seated position. There needs to be a balance when it comes to stack and reach. Having more space will lead to the biker being positioned way back on his seat and he will eventually need to over-extend to grab the handlebars.
On the contrary, less space will cramp the biker with an uncomfortable experience.
3. Top tube length
It is the distance from the head tube of a bike to the seat tube horizontally. It has become a well-known metric these days to check out bike size estimates.
Recap
18-inch bikes can be classified into frame and wheel bikes, with the former specifically for adults and the latter for kids. In the case of wheel bikes, it is tailor-made for kids between 5-7 years of age with a variety of options.
Similar, 18-inch frame bikes are ideal for people just short of 6 feet. Mostly these are medium-sized bicycles that are perfect for you.
